Probiotics may delay onset of gluten intolerance in kids, according to study

A new clinical study from a team at Lund University, Sweden, has shown that Probi’s probiotics support the immune system and slow down the onset of gluten intolerance in children.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial evaluated Probi probiotics in children who are genetically predisposed to have gluten intolerance (Coeliac disease). The probiotic strains specifically looked at were Lactobacillus plantarum Heal 9 and Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2.

In looking at 78 asymptomatic children (3–7 year olds) who had been randomly allocated to daily consumption of either probiotics or placebo for six months, the researchers found that in those who had been administered probiotics the effects of coeliac autoimmunity were supressed.

During the course of the study, the team found that the levels of the disease-related antibodies were significantly reduced in the probiotic group and significantly increased in the placebo. Moreover, several significant differences were observed on a cellular level between the groups, which indicates that the probiotic may counteract coeliac disease-associated ongoing immunological and inflammatory response.

“To our knowledge this is the first time a probiotic study has been performed on this specific population and the results show immune-supporting properties of these probiotics as well as a potential preventive effect on the development of CD,” explained Daniel Agardh, lead investigator from Lund University.

“This is an excellent example of a well working collaboration between academia and the industry,” added Peter Nählstedt, CEO of Probi. “We see a growing interest in children’s probiotics and these results enable Probi to build a product platform for children.”